Prices like Seesaw's

It is just me...... that is so freaking happy that gas is finally under $2.00 a gallon. The crazy thing is everything else seems to be going up.... There is no longer a dollar menu at local fast-food restaurants, the $5.00 hot n' ready at Little Ceasars has gon up to $5.99. Milk is now between four and five dollars a gallon. Seems the economy will not give college students a break . It does feel great to fill my tank up for under $32 but will I get a dollar burger ever again?

Hope, Change, Progress and a Dream Come True

Dr. Martin Luther King said these words in his I Have a Dream speech on August 28, 1963….

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal….. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character…... And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!”

I know I’m a little late with this blog but it took me sometime to gather my thoughts and feelings about the 2008 presidential election. As we all know, Barack Obama was elected to be the 44th president of the United States. For the first time, in the history of the country, an African American will be claiming the White House as home starting January 20, 2009. This is an immense change for the American people.

Growing up I didn’t hear any of my classmates saying they wanted to be president, the idea was far fetched. Especially when our history books only mentioned white people as being superior and presidents. Barack Obama has definitely set the tone for children of the future. They can look at him and see that it is really possible to become anything you want to be. I feel like we have overcome.

I admire him not only because of his intelligence but because of how he handles himself as a black man and he represents everyone. He gives hope to all the men in America that didn’t grow up with there father. Even with all the negativity the media tries to put out there about his father, he doesn’t indulge in it. There are no more excuses for you boys, its time to become men. He is proof in the pudding that any citizen of the United States, regardless of race or gender, can make it to the White House. We live in the “land of opportunity” and the opportunity is knocking for all of us. There is no need to not obtain any goals or ambitions.

It amazes me that there are even people outside of the United States that are Pro-Obama and want him in office just as much as a citizen of the country. In Spain, a man created a picture of Presidential elect Obama using sand, to show his support. In Kenya, where his father side of the family lives, a village cheering for him on election night. I guess this change affects the nation not just America.

The progression has come and our prayers have been answered. The country has taken a turn for the best. We needed change and we finally have it. I guess it’s safe to say that we are FREE AT LAST, all of us! The dreamer, Dr. Martin Luther King, dreams have come true. Obama was indeed that dream and I am grateful to have been alive to witness this history. We have finally made the American History books.

To Be or Not To Be...... a great test taker that is

Many students struggle with test taking and I am one of them. It seems like no matter how hard or long I study, once the test is in front of me, my mind goes blank. For some reason I get really nervous during an exam and it feels like everyone is watching me. I have come to find that I am not the only person whom deals with test taking anxiety. There are so many students in various age groups that have the same problem I have. So, how do I overcome test taking anxiety?

While researching this anxiety I came across some tips of what to do before or during an exam. To see if the test taking tips would be helpful I applied them during my midterm exams. Listed below are the tips that I used.

1.) Maintain a positive attitude while preparing for the test and during the test
2.) Get a good night's sleep before the test
3.) Show up to class early so you won't have to worry about being late
4.) Stay relaxed, if you begin to get nervous take a few deep breaths slowly to relax yourself and then get back to work
5.) Do the simple questions first to help build up your confidence for the harder questions
6.) Focus on the question at hand; don't let your mind wander on other things

Those tips really did help me. During one of my exams my mind began to wander and heart began to race so I stopped, checked myself and took a few deep breaths. This week our midterm grades were posted, let just saying I’m passing all classes with flying colors. If you are not so well with taking test then you might want see if these tips would help you. Also, if you have tests early morning make sure to have a piece of fruit or some sort of light breakfast to keep your stomach from interrupting test time. If you would like to view the full list of test taking tips visit www.testtakingtips.com

Its that time of the Year

Lions and Tigers and bears oh my…. Well not exactly, more like screams, monsters and demons. It’s Halloween in the valley and the haunted houses dare you to stop by. The Haunted House of Pain is now open every Friday and Saturday until November 1st. You can check this spook house out from 6:30pm till 11:30pm at Madison Square Mall across from Buffalo Wild Wings. Tickets are $10. The popular haunted MAIZE is located on 72 East in Brownsboro, AL. They are open every Wednesday thru Sunday until November 9th. The cost is $15 but if you go on their website http://www.cornfieldmaze.com/ you can get a coupon.

Sliced in Seconds

Is it just me or am I the only person disappointed in Kimbo Slice? Saturday, October 4, 2008, Kimbo Slice lost for the first time in the Elite XC. Slice, who was originally supposed to fight Ken Shamrock, was defeated by a no name that specializes in mixed martial arts. His opponent, Seth Petruzelli, with full force, attacked as soon as the fight started. Kimbo, a brawler, was caught off guard and failed to protect himself once his eye was cut. This was Slice fourth fight his record is now 3-1. If you missed the fight check it out on youtube.com and while your there checkout some of Kimbo’s street brawls.

Men & Women Basketball Challenge

If you enjoy watching the game of basketball, you might want to stop by Oakwood College on October 5th at 8pm for the schools basketball challenge. Next week kicks off Oakwood’s College Days 2008. Those that are interested in attending the college will be able to meet professors, tour the campus, interact with students and participate in various group activities during the two day event.

Oakwood will be having tryouts, for the basketball challenge, this Sunday from 1pm to 4pm, for high school seniors or transfer students that want to play. For more information regarding other activities during College Days 2008 please call 256-726-7000

Got Skillz?

They call him a rapper but I’d like to refer to him as a lyricist. Introducing, Ward Skillz! Fresh out of Lansing, MI, this local, soon to be worldwide, artist is making everyone in the Tennessee Valley, ATL and other cities, zone into his flow with punch lines that leaves his audience mesmerized and wanting to hear more. Ward has been rapping since the age 12. His music is very popular back in his hometown, receiving numerous airplays on their local radio stations. He has been featured on various mix-tapes along with being an opening act in concerts for major artist. This guy has done it all, from interning at radio stations in Huntsville and Atlanta, being a production assistant for BET and FOX Sports, and staff writing for Connect Magazine. If anyone person deserves to be in the entertainment industry, it’s Skillz. Not to mention he’s being backed up by two of the hottest DJ Crews in the United States, the Aphilliates and the Heavy Hitters.

To hear more about Ward Skillz or his music, check him out at:
www.myspace.com/wardskillz
www.youtube.com/wardskillzdhinfamous

Big Spring Jam is T-Paining It

Is it just me or is everyone suprised that Hip Hop sensation T-Pain is going to be performing in huntsville. The Big Spring Jam kicks off tomorrow at 6p.m. till about 11p.m.. On saturday, 104.3 WZYP is getting T-Pain to grace their stage. T-Pain is huge in the hip-hop community. He is practically on every song that has come out in 2008. His performance begins at 10:30p.m., you might want to get there at least 30minutes early to get a good seat. Be sure to stop by the WAAY-31 tent while your their.

VOTE OR BE MISERABLE

Is it just me or does this election seems to be more intense than the last two? Election Day is slowly approaching and some of my peers still have not registered to vote. If you are over the age of 18 its time to get ready to let your voice be heard. Over the last few years we’ve heard all the slogans and different campaigns that were geared toward the new generation of voters. Diddy told us to Vote or Die and the biggest add is the Rock the Vote campaign. People we need to listen. Our economy has taken a turn for the worse and its time that we make a difference. We are the future and no one is getting younger, so do not wait until it is too late for the difference to be made. It does not matter who you vote for, what does matter is that you vote. That is the only way to know that the winner actually won fair and square. Ladies, there was a time when we could not vote. Our great-great-grandmothers did not have a voice and did not have a choice but times are different now and we women are being heard. Do not let their suffering go to waste for your own selfish and laziness. If you are not registered to vote you have until Friday, October 24th. All you have to do is visit rockthevote.com and you can do between visiting Facebook and Myspace. Mark your calendars everyone November 4th will be the day we decide if history will be made with Obama or is the country afraid of change with McCain.

Oakwood College is holding voter's registration tomorrow at the schools chucsh..... Be there or be square.

You Decide!

BULLDOG SPIRIT

Is it just me or is homecoming the best time of the school year? Next week begins Alabama A&M University’s Homecoming. That means a week full of festivities for those that attend AAMU and the alumni. The University kicks off the celebration with a Gospel explosion on Sunday October 5th and ends it with the battle of the bands on Sunday October 12th. The BET Black College Tour will be on the university’s quad Wednesday October 8th from 12pm – 4pm. If you have any free time you might want to attend some of the events planned. Below is a full itinerary for the week.

Sunday, October 5th
Gospel Explosion T.M. Elmore Gymnasium 6pm

Monday, October 6th
Block Party The Block, 11am-3pm
Student Talent Showcase University Quadrangle 7pm

Tuesday, October 7th
Convergence Open Forum Discussion for Students: Knight Reception Center 12:30pm
Volleyball Game: Elmore Gym. 6pm
Homecoming Ball (Semi-formal) Knight Reception Center, 8pm

Wednesday, October 8th
B.E.T. College Tour University Quadrangle, 12pm-4pm
Comedy Show Hosted by Steve Brown T.M. Elmore Gymnasium, 8pm

Thursday, October 9th
Block Party II The Block, 12pm-3pm
Thinkfast Game Show Bibb Graves Auditorium, 4pm
Alumni Association Golf Forum Clyde Foster Multipurpose Room, 6pm
Miss AAMU Coronation T.M. Elmore Gymnasium, 7pm

Friday, October 10th
5K Run TBA , 6am
Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament Huntsville Municipal Golf Course
On-Campus Parade Morrison Parking Lot 11am
Homecoming Festival University Quadrangle, 1pm
Alumni/Student Vocal Showcase Bibb Graves Auditorium, 7:30pm
Dusk ’til Dawn T.M. Elmore Gymnasium, 10pm-4am

Saturday October 11th
Normalites Bar-B-Que Cook Off Tailgate Park, 7am
Alumni Meet and Greet Tailgate 11am
Homecoming Parade Downtown Huntsville,7am
Bulldog Walk Tailgate Park Area, 11:45am
Alumni Pre-Game Performance Louis Crews Stadium, 2pm
Homecoming Football Game, AAMU vs. Grambling, Louis Crews Stadium, 3pm
Alumni “Big Tent Jam” Immediately following Game
“Stomping on the Yard” Step Show T.M. Elmore Gymnasium, 8pm

Sunday, October 12th
Annual Homecoming Sunday Brunch Knight Reception Center, 11am-2pm.
Battle of the Bands Louis Crews Stadium, 2:00 pm

Gas, Food or Books???

Is it just me, whom finds it difficult to afford most of the everyday necessities? There is no secret that the price of gas and groceries are on the rise; we hear the stories everyday during our local news and in newspapers. What is failed to be mentioned is how the college generation is coping with the increase of prices on nearly everything. Does the government not realize, most students dropout of college because they do not have the money to support themselves? How can we afford school supplies, tuition, books and housing when the cost of our needs are going up and the pay at our part-time or full-time jobs remains at minimum wage or just above. Just recently, fall semester started back and I was torn between buying a few books and having money to survive until the next pay check. I fill up the tank in my car at least every four days and it takes about $55.00, depending on price per gallon, for the needle to get on full. I spend about $20 daily on food, not to mention the money spent on toiletries and other miscellaneous expenses throughout the week. How can we students maintain our grades when we have to sacrifice our books for food and gas? Some student get refunds from financial aid but for those of you that don't, I feel your pain.

Question of the Day:
What are you doing to save money and how are you dealing with the price inflations at your local gas stations and grocery stores?

The Empress Wears No Clothes

Is it just me that understands the importance of voting and knows what should matter when determining who should be elected? Since the Republican Party announced Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as the Vice Presidential pick I've heard many people saying "I'm voting for Palin, she's hot". Sarah Palin is a nice looking woman but looks should not be the deciding factor when it comes to who should run a country. It is embarrassing to see that we, the citizens of The Unites States of America, are so simple-minded and ignorant. I am saddened by those that are only interested in the material things in life and are viewing this election as a race for prom king or queen. The appropriate things to do would be view the facts, seek answers and ask questions. Who is going to get our soldiers out of this long-lasting war? Who is going to give the people from my community tax cuts? Which candidate will give poor communities the support and resources they need to provide disadvantaged students with an opportunity to reach their full potential? Who will try to get our gas prices down? Rather than vote for someone based on gender, color or looks research what each individual stands for. Do not be blinded by the looks of someone and ignore what this country needs, CHANGE!

Question of the Day:
What changes would you like to see the next President make?